Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Speaker:
Unsung Moments in African American History: The Life and Legacy of John Loyd Atkinson, Sr.
Speaker: Emma Harris, Daughter of John Loyd Atkinson, Sr.
Friday, Feb. 18th, 10:00-11:30a
Click here to register for event and to receive Zoom link. Zoom link will be provided to participants 24 hours before presentation.
“As Allatoona Dam was completed in Cartersville in 1950, Governor Talmadge leased shoreline to create Red Top Mountain State Park, and nearby established the first “Georgia State Park for Negroes.” The 345-acre park was named George Washington Carver Park, honoring the renowned Tuskegee Institute botanist and inventor.
Former Tuskegee Airman John Loyd Atkinson became the first Black Park Superintendent in Georgia and built a clubhouse/concession stand, playground, boat ramp, boat and fishing docks, a swim beach with diving platform and a residence. He operated the park until 1958. Atkinson also started a black Girl Scout Camp at Carver Park with a sub-lease on U.S. Army Corps of Engineers property.” Taken from https://visitcartersvillega.org/gwcp/
Join us to hear the story about the life and legacy of John Loyd Atkinson, Sr. from his daughter, Emma Harris.